Musings of a MAMIL.

No matter whether you're a seasoned cyclist or you're fairly new to the sport, there's every chance you've come across MAMILs.

The Acronym, short for "middle-aged men in Lycra, (women as well)" doesn't refer to career cyclists; rather, it refers to men/women of various skill and experience levels who mimic career cyclists. They have all the top gear, the flashiest clothes, and the most modern of bikes. They're out at the crack of dawn and sometimes return late at night. Some fly solo while others ride in large groups. One thing they all have in common is that they all tend to don the eye-catching elastic uniform behind the acronym.

Numerous films and documentarys have explored cycling as a professional sport, and the athletes that excel within it. But MAMIL, are still much maligned and missunderstood. Here is a insight into a good club MAMIL's year.

A few musing from my 2020 cycling year (in no particular order):

I joined PSCC (whilst still being a member of WRCC). After all, why limit yourself to just one CC?

I converted two of my road bikes to single oval chainring setups and never looked back. I won't bang on about it here, but for me the benefits have been significant.

Although I rode a record 6,060 miles for the year, my longest ride all year was only 60 miles.

Courtesy of COVID, I did a lot more solo riding and discovered a lots of new destinations and new routes.

I started indoor training again after a 21 months gap and also learned how to ride on rollers. I probably won't go back to using a turbo trainer again.

I got ill in February but since then I haven't missed a week.

Apart from one very inelegant dismount from the rollers, I didn't crash all year.

I drank beer after a ride for the first time in years.

I didn't weigh myself all year.

I bought a power meter.

I ended the year with fewer bikes than I started it.

I have one road bike that didn't get ridden at all in 2020. I will rectify this appalling oversight next summer.

Finally, I am convinced that even at age 57, I can still get better. Let us see what 2021 brings.

I look forward to sharing some adventures with you all again as and when circumstances permit.